Leesburg Set For Celebration Of City's Diversity

LEESBURG - Organizers of the second annual Leesburg Heritage Festival are expecting thousands to turn out for a series of events that kick off Thursday and run through Sunday.

``The festival is about promoting a stronger awareness of the diverse cultures that we have in the city,'' said John Christian II, president of the Men of the Distinction, the festival's organizers.

Christian said more than 4,000 people attended festival activities last year. He said the group has advertised heavily and expects larger crowds this year for all events.

``This festival is something everyone in the city can enjoy,'' Christian said. ``We want to bring people of different backgrounds together in a social situation to mingle and have fun.''

This year's activities include:

A talent show, ``Apollo II,'' at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Leesburg High School auditorium, 1401 Meadows Ave. The cost is $15 to participate. Prizes ranging from $50 to $200 will be awarded to the top three acts.

A banquet is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday in the Leesburg Community Building, 109 E. Dixie Ave. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Gary Hall, pastor of the Jacksonville Church of God and Christ. Tickets are $15.

The Heritage Festival is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Venetian Gardens. There will be a number of vendors selling ethnic art, food and clothing, along with a basketball contest and musical entertainment.

The festival closes with a 6 p.m. Sunday memorial service at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1012 E. Line St. The service will feature a concert by the Florida A&M University choir.

Festival organizers are still seeking sponsors. There is a Wednesday deadline for the talent show and vendor aplications.